University AdmissionsUniversity Admissions

Finding the Right Fit for Finding the Right Fit for You– and Getting InYou– and Getting In

-Catherine Boalch -Catherine Boalch (guidance@americansection.org)(guidance@americansection.org)

Where Do Our Students Go?Where Do Our Students Go? This year, our 55 Terminales are applying (much overlap This year, our 55 Terminales are applying (much overlap

here):here):

– 15 to the US15 to the US– 17 to the UK 17 to the UK – 19 to Canada (all but 4 overlap with US or UK) 19 to Canada (all but 4 overlap with US or UK) – 3 to Trinity College Dublin3 to Trinity College Dublin– 4 to Netherlands (Delft, Erasmus, Maastricht, Utrecht)4 to Netherlands (Delft, Erasmus, Maastricht, Utrecht)– 3-5 to Switzerland (EPF & EHL Lausanne, Les Roches)3-5 to Switzerland (EPF & EHL Lausanne, Les Roches)– 1 to Italy (Bocconi)1 to Italy (Bocconi)– About 20 will probably stay in France: SciencesPo, prepas, About 20 will probably stay in France: SciencesPo, prepas,

post-bac ecole de commerce, facpost-bac ecole de commerce, fac

What Do Our Students Study?What Do Our Students Study? 6 to engineering (UK, Canada, Delft, Trinity College Dublin)6 to engineering (UK, Canada, Delft, Trinity College Dublin)

7 to management (UK, US, Erasmus, Maastricht, Bocconi, McGill)7 to management (UK, US, Erasmus, Maastricht, Bocconi, McGill)

4 to humanities courses (UK / Trinity College Dublin)4 to humanities courses (UK / Trinity College Dublin)

5 to sciences courses (UK, Canada)5 to sciences courses (UK, Canada)

1 to art school (US)1 to art school (US)

1 to medicine (UK)1 to medicine (UK)

16 to interdisciplinary or undecided courses in US, UK, The Netherlands16 to interdisciplinary or undecided courses in US, UK, The Netherlands

Comparing Country ChoicesComparing Country ChoicesCourseCourse

USA:USA: 4 years. Usually apply to school of arts and sciences, choose a major after 2-3 semesters. Can minor 4 years. Usually apply to school of arts and sciences, choose a major after 2-3 semesters. Can minor in another field. Distribution requirements across disciplines. Can often apply directly to engineering, in another field. Distribution requirements across disciplines. Can often apply directly to engineering, business, art schools.business, art schools.

UKUK: 3 year BA/BS, 4-5 year Master’s. Apply directly to a course, some are combined but in general much : 3 year BA/BS, 4-5 year Master’s. Apply directly to a course, some are combined but in general much more focused. Examples: Management with Spanish, Zoology with Year Abroad, History/Germanmore focused. Examples: Management with Spanish, Zoology with Year Abroad, History/German ScotlandScotland: 4 years, apply directly to a course but can try several areas and switch after first year. : 4 years, apply directly to a course but can try several areas and switch after first year.

Canada:Canada: 3-4 year BA:BS. Apply directly to engineering, management, arts/sciences more like US model. 3-4 year BA:BS. Apply directly to engineering, management, arts/sciences more like US model.

AdmissionsAdmissions

US:US: Based on grades, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, essays, references Based on grades, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, essays, referencesUK (including Scotland)UK (including Scotland): Based on predicted grades on bac, personal statement, school reference: Based on predicted grades on bac, personal statement, school referenceCanadaCanada: Based on bulletins: Seconde through first trimester of Terminale.: Based on bulletins: Seconde through first trimester of Terminale.

Cost Cost

USUS: $14,000 to 40,000 tuition (4 years), but financial aid, merit and need-based, is available: $14,000 to 40,000 tuition (4 years), but financial aid, merit and need-based, is availableUKUK: £7500 to 9,000 pounds tuition (3 years), but students can take out loans from British government: £7500 to 9,000 pounds tuition (3 years), but students can take out loans from British governmentCanadaCanada: $14,000 to 38,000 tuition (3-4 years); scholarships available: $14,000 to 38,000 tuition (3-4 years); scholarships availableQuébec:Québec: French pay local rates of c. $3000 (usually 3 years) French pay local rates of c. $3000 (usually 3 years)

Netherlands, Scotland (4 years), Ireland, SwitzerlandNetherlands, Scotland (4 years), Ireland, Switzerland : <2000 euros per year: <2000 euros per year

How Do Our Students Research?How Do Our Students Research? Vist our Wiki! boalchcounseling.pbworks.com for background information, news articles, Vist our Wiki! boalchcounseling.pbworks.com for background information, news articles,

world rankings lists, application deadlines, admission requirementsworld rankings lists, application deadlines, admission requirements

Travel! Go to Open Days in spring, fall 2012 (in Europe), plan trips over vacation. April a Travel! Go to Open Days in spring, fall 2012 (in Europe), plan trips over vacation. April a good time for US/Canada, Toussaint for UK.good time for US/Canada, Toussaint for UK.

Read! College guides, alumni surveys, articles, websites to get a ‘feel’ for campus ambiance. Read! College guides, alumni surveys, articles, websites to get a ‘feel’ for campus ambiance. Rankings give an idea of reputation but often based on graduate-level research, not quality of Rankings give an idea of reputation but often based on graduate-level research, not quality of undergraduate experience.undergraduate experience.

Consult with caution! social media can be targeted, frank, also misleading and contradictory. Consult with caution! social media can be targeted, frank, also misleading and contradictory. Read them but keep it in perspective. Trust people you know.Read them but keep it in perspective. Trust people you know.

Read more! Study courses and modules Read more! Study courses and modules carefully carefully and think hard about what is the right fit and think hard about what is the right fit for your interests. for your interests.

Think! This is a major decision; give yourself time to reflect on what you really want. Think! This is a major decision; give yourself time to reflect on what you really want. Explore through reading, travel, internships, conversationsExplore through reading, travel, internships, conversations

Choose! Limit your choices to 8 non-French schools; be realistic yet aspirational.Choose! Limit your choices to 8 non-French schools; be realistic yet aspirational.

The Admissions Process: USAThe Admissions Process: USA The good news: More than 3,000 schools to choose from of all sizes, types, locations, personalitiesThe good news: More than 3,000 schools to choose from of all sizes, types, locations, personalities The bad news: Acceptance rates down to 5 -10% at some schools as number of applicants has doubled in past decade, The bad news: Acceptance rates down to 5 -10% at some schools as number of applicants has doubled in past decade,

including more international applicants so fewer spots for France and our school. including more international applicants so fewer spots for France and our school.

To be truly competitive to top-12 major universities that accept fewer than 20% of applicants: To be truly competitive to top-12 major universities that accept fewer than 20% of applicants: FelicitationsFelicitations (16 (16 average) / >2100 on SATs. Also strong extracurriculars, a compelling essay. Then they accept 10% -20% of those average) / >2100 on SATs. Also strong extracurriculars, a compelling essay. Then they accept 10% -20% of those candidates. So why you? What makes you unique?candidates. So why you? What makes you unique?

If you are If you are compliments (14-15)compliments (14-15)/ SATs 1800 – 2000, seek target schools that admit 20+% of applicants. / SATs 1800 – 2000, seek target schools that admit 20+% of applicants. If you are If you are encouragements (13-14)encouragements (13-14) / SATs 1600 – 1800, seek target schools that admit 30+ of applicants or see / SATs 1600 – 1800, seek target schools that admit 30+ of applicants or see

relatively few applications from Europe–liberal arts colleges, Midwest/Southern schools.relatively few applications from Europe–liberal arts colleges, Midwest/Southern schools.

Remember that each student and each application is unique and much of this is unpredictable.Remember that each student and each application is unique and much of this is unpredictable.

Avoid overlapping applications with other students when possible: 4 to Tufts + Georgetown this year. Focus efforts on Avoid overlapping applications with other students when possible: 4 to Tufts + Georgetown this year. Focus efforts on 1-2 ‘reach’ schools, 3-4 solid choices, 1-2 safe options. Be aware of supplements.1-2 ‘reach’ schools, 3-4 solid choices, 1-2 safe options. Be aware of supplements.

Look beyond the Boston –DC corridor. Look beyond top-12 names. Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, UMichigan, Look beyond the Boston –DC corridor. Look beyond top-12 names. Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, UMichigan, Duke, UChicago, UWashington, UTexas, Tufts, Emory, New York University, Univ Southern California, Boston Duke, UChicago, UWashington, UTexas, Tufts, Emory, New York University, Univ Southern California, Boston University, Duke University, UNorth Carolina all in top 100 worldwide. University, Duke University, UNorth Carolina all in top 100 worldwide.

Many small liberal arts colleges have a higher percentage of applicants accepted to top Ivy League graduate schools Many small liberal arts colleges have a higher percentage of applicants accepted to top Ivy League graduate schools than the schools themselves. Student satisfaction often higher, closer professor-student interaction, no ‘adjuncts ». than the schools themselves. Student satisfaction often higher, closer professor-student interaction, no ‘adjuncts ». Many large public universities have elite honors colleges that can offer good value.Many large public universities have elite honors colleges that can offer good value.

Harvard’s freshman class of 2011Harvard’s freshman class of 2011 6.2% accepted of 35,000 applicants. Half those with perfect SATS rejected6.2% accepted of 35,000 applicants. Half those with perfect SATS rejected 90% in top 10% of senior class90% in top 10% of senior class 18% low-income, most of whom will be on full scholarship18% low-income, most of whom will be on full scholarship 60% received financial aid60% received financial aid Average aid offer: $40,000 Average aid offer: $40,000

10% black (African, Caribbean, African-American)10% black (African, Caribbean, African-American) 20% Asian-Americans20% Asian-Americans 10% Latino 10% Latino 12% citizens of another country12% citizens of another country

15- 20% recruited athletes15- 20% recruited athletes 13% children of undergraduate alumni (30% admit rate)13% children of undergraduate alumni (30% admit rate) 1-2% children of wealthy donors1-2% children of wealthy donors

25% intended social science majors, 20% humanities majors25% intended social science majors, 20% humanities majors 15% intend to study math / physical science, 25% biology, 13% engineering / computing15% intend to study math / physical science, 25% biology, 13% engineering / computing

Nearly 1 in 4 accepted chose not to goNearly 1 in 4 accepted chose not to go

The Application Process:UKThe Application Process:UK UK:UK:

– Admissions on central website, www.UCAS.com. Admissions on central website, www.UCAS.com. – 5 schools maximum for £22. 5 schools maximum for £22. – Deadline: Jan. 15 but best to apply early; most practice rolling admissions. Deadline: Jan. 15 but best to apply early; most practice rolling admissions. – Can choose two courses at same school but one statement for allCan choose two courses at same school but one statement for all– Schools make conditional offers based on predicted overall bac grades and in Schools make conditional offers based on predicted overall bac grades and in

relevant subjects. Some, mainly in London, will ask for an interviewrelevant subjects. Some, mainly in London, will ask for an interview– Oxbridge deadline Oct. 15. Admission based on subject interviews, tests. Need Oxbridge deadline Oct. 15. Admission based on subject interviews, tests. Need

to spend summer preparing as English students much more specialized.to spend summer preparing as English students much more specialized.– Personal statement must show evidence of strong autonomous interest in or Personal statement must show evidence of strong autonomous interest in or

experience with your subject. Use your time between now and the fall to experience with your subject. Use your time between now and the fall to develop this evidence—reading, job shadowing, stage, etc ... develop this evidence—reading, job shadowing, stage, etc ...

– Teacher comments can strengthen your school reference by adding specificsTeacher comments can strengthen your school reference by adding specifics

. .

Application Timeline for 1eresApplication Timeline for 1eres USA / Bocconi applicants: SATs in spring 2012. Plan preparation strategy starting in January– books, online, USA / Bocconi applicants: SATs in spring 2012. Plan preparation strategy starting in January– books, online,

class? Study for subject tests over the summer if necessary.class? Study for subject tests over the summer if necessary.

– SAT SAT notnot required for all schools; ACT test option, focuses more on content than aptitude but includes required for all schools; ACT test option, focuses more on content than aptitude but includes science section so often SAT subject tests not required.science section so often SAT subject tests not required.

UK applicants: Attend Open Days, UK applicants: Attend Open Days, read extensively around chosen subject – books, magazinezs, read extensively around chosen subject – books, magazinezs, seek out seek out research or work opportunities in areas of interest. research or work opportunities in areas of interest.

Request references/ teacher comments from 1ère French teachers in early May (US, UK, or unsure)Request references/ teacher comments from 1ère French teachers in early May (US, UK, or unsure). . Document your extracurricular activitiesDocument your extracurricular activities

– Supporting references from a coach or peer such as your soccer team captain, your MUN advisorSupporting references from a coach or peer such as your soccer team captain, your MUN advisor– Video clips of school plays, sports, VOX concerts, etc …Useful for USVideo clips of school plays, sports, VOX concerts, etc …Useful for US– Work on portfolio if applying to art schoolsWork on portfolio if applying to art schools

Verify online presence– ‘normal’ email address, compromising photos on Facebook, etc …Verify online presence– ‘normal’ email address, compromising photos on Facebook, etc …

Make master list of potential schools, admissions requirements, deadlines. YOU. Not your parents. YOU.Make master list of potential schools, admissions requirements, deadlines. YOU. Not your parents. YOU.

Meet with me in May – July to review your options and plan your Terminale fall. Meet with me in May – July to review your options and plan your Terminale fall.

For Oxbridge, US ED/EA, deadlines can be 6 - 8 weeks after start of Terminale so be organized!For Oxbridge, US ED/EA, deadlines can be 6 - 8 weeks after start of Terminale so be organized!

Timeline for TerminalesTimeline for TerminalesUSA: USA:

– Meet with me in September to discuss plans, update on changes, possible EA/ED choices. Meet with me in September to discuss plans, update on changes, possible EA/ED choices. – Give me any references needing translations and ask EN teachers for referencesGive me any references needing translations and ask EN teachers for references– Register for and take SATs as needed (early November latest for ED)Register for and take SATs as needed (early November latest for ED)– Work on essay. Suggested deadline for EA/ED essays : Sept. 30th; Regular Decision Nov. 30 Work on essay. Suggested deadline for EA/ED essays : Sept. 30th; Regular Decision Nov. 30 – Attend university visits, Paris College Day (October), Open Days in UK if possible. Attend university visits, Paris College Day (October), Open Days in UK if possible. – Meet with me again in Nov/Dec to finalize choices, review selectivity with 1st trimester grades.Meet with me again in Nov/Dec to finalize choices, review selectivity with 1st trimester grades.– Work on supplemental essays (December) and submit Common Application by deadlineWork on supplemental essays (December) and submit Common Application by deadline– You have e-mails sent to EN teachers for references. I mailed your translated references. (US)You have e-mails sent to EN teachers for references. I mailed your translated references. (US)– You have your SATs sent from College Board to the schools directly. (US)You have your SATs sent from College Board to the schools directly. (US)

UK:UK:

-- Meet with me in first trimester; if Oxbridge; in first 2 weeks of fall-- Meet with me in first trimester; if Oxbridge; in first 2 weeks of fall-- Work on personal statements, narrow down choices, begin UCAS forms-- Work on personal statements, narrow down choices, begin UCAS forms

-- Finalize predicted bac grades once first trimester results are in.-- Finalize predicted bac grades once first trimester results are in.-- Suggested UCAS deadline: Nov. 30th. Many students had 2-3 offers -- Suggested UCAS deadline: Nov. 30th. Many students had 2-3 offers beforebefore Jan. 15th. Jan. 15th.-- I submit your UCAS application so keep checking e-mail once submitted!-- I submit your UCAS application so keep checking e-mail once submitted!

Canada: Canada:

-- Fill in online applications by deadlines and give me student ID # so I can mail bulletins.-- Fill in online applications by deadlines and give me student ID # so I can mail bulletins. -- Apply for merit scholarships if relevant-- Apply for merit scholarships if relevant

Deadlines 2012Deadlines 2012 Oct. 15 for Oxbridge, UK medicine/dental/veterinary. Oxbridge interview early DecemberOct. 15 for Oxbridge, UK medicine/dental/veterinary. Oxbridge interview early December

Nov. 1 – 15 : Early Action/ Early Decision US applications. Answer by mid-DecemberNov. 1 – 15 : Early Action/ Early Decision US applications. Answer by mid-December

Jan 1 - 15 : US Regular Decision /Early Decision II. Answer by mid-FebruaryJan 1 - 15 : US Regular Decision /Early Decision II. Answer by mid-February

Jan 15 : all UK, McGill. Answers-rolling but typically by April.Jan 15 : all UK, McGill. Answers-rolling but typically by April.

Jan 17 : Bocconi (business school in Italy)Jan 17 : Bocconi (business school in Italy)

Jan 20 : postbac French admission site opensJan 20 : postbac French admission site opens

Feb 1 : Concordia, HEC Montreal, U Toronto, University Colleges in the NetherlandsFeb 1 : Concordia, HEC Montreal, U Toronto, University Colleges in the Netherlands

Dutch, Swiss, Belgian, Irish universities typically have April -May deadlines or rolling Dutch, Swiss, Belgian, Irish universities typically have April -May deadlines or rolling admissions, as do some US universities. It’s never to late to apply somewhere!admissions, as do some US universities. It’s never to late to apply somewhere!

Admissions Post-Bac: Jan 20 to March 20. Yes, you can stay in France!Admissions Post-Bac: Jan 20 to March 20. Yes, you can stay in France!

What Our Students Say: USAWhat Our Students Say: USA

««I wanted to go to the US because I’m American and had never lived there; I figured college I wanted to go to the US because I’m American and had never lived there; I figured college would be the right time. I wanted an urban environment coupled with a campus feel. Boston would be the right time. I wanted an urban environment coupled with a campus feel. Boston University offers the perfect mix in that regard. What I love about this school is that one can University offers the perfect mix in that regard. What I love about this school is that one can do anything. But you have to go out and grab it.»do anything. But you have to go out and grab it.»

« « I have taken amazing classes. My coursework is more challenging than the lycée but I was well I have taken amazing classes. My coursework is more challenging than the lycée but I was well prepared. My teachers are very accessible outside the classes. Worcester is not the best city prepared. My teachers are very accessible outside the classes. Worcester is not the best city but it has a personality, for sure. I fit at Clark University in every way. I love the diversity of but it has a personality, for sure. I fit at Clark University in every way. I love the diversity of political and religious opinions. It’s the time of your life; enjoy it and never say no!political and religious opinions. It’s the time of your life; enjoy it and never say no!»»

« My parents wanted me to go to college in the States and I was sure I didn’t want to stay in Frnce. « My parents wanted me to go to college in the States and I was sure I didn’t want to stay in Frnce. I I liked the idea of a small liberal arts college with excellent academics. The fact that Vassar I I liked the idea of a small liberal arts college with excellent academics. The fact that Vassar was only an hour and a half from New York City was also attractive. Classes are very was only an hour and a half from New York City was also attractive. Classes are very engaging due to the excellent professors and small size. Assignments have more depth than at engaging due to the excellent professors and small size. Assignments have more depth than at the lycée but I have more free time and I’m concentrating on subjects I really love. I joined a the lycée but I have more free time and I’m concentrating on subjects I really love. I joined a student activism group and a Jane Austen book club. I’m greatly enjoying both of them. »student activism group and a Jane Austen book club. I’m greatly enjoying both of them. »

What Our Students Say: UKWhat Our Students Say: UK

««I didn’t want to stay in France for my studies and I heard great things about England. The US I didn’t want to stay in France for my studies and I heard great things about England. The US was too expensive and I wanted an English-speaking country. Bristol is one of the top ten was too expensive and I wanted an English-speaking country. Bristol is one of the top ten universities and has a very good economics program. It’s quite demanding but it’s what I universities and has a very good economics program. It’s quite demanding but it’s what I wanted. A lot of students are international. England is very different. It takes a while to get wanted. A lot of students are international. England is very different. It takes a while to get used to it. You have to realize that it’s not France and embrace it »used to it. You have to realize that it’s not France and embrace it »

««The environment at Exeter is very friendly and the weather is the best in all England! My course The environment at Exeter is very friendly and the weather is the best in all England! My course is not challenging at all compared to the lycée and there are some modules that are useless but is not challenging at all compared to the lycée and there are some modules that are useless but I am overall very pleased. I find myself with a lot of free time and I’ve joined many clubs and I am overall very pleased. I find myself with a lot of free time and I’ve joined many clubs and societies. It does take people a while to get used to you if you’re foreign but English people societies. It does take people a while to get used to you if you’re foreign but English people are very nice.are very nice.»»

« « I liked Warwick’s openness and campus atmosphere and the fact that there is a significant I liked Warwick’s openness and campus atmosphere and the fact that there is a significant amount of international students. I’m happy with the social life but unhappy with the course amount of international students. I’m happy with the social life but unhappy with the course which I haven’t found stimulating and much more numbers-focused than I was expecting. We which I haven’t found stimulating and much more numbers-focused than I was expecting. We have several hours of lectures per week though the lecture halls have several hundred students have several hours of lectures per week though the lecture halls have several hundred students so contact is limited. There’s very little supervision. The incredibly high number of French so contact is limited. There’s very little supervision. The incredibly high number of French students makes me feel like I never left the lycée»students makes me feel like I never left the lycée»

What Our Students Say: CanadaWhat Our Students Say: Canada

««I chose to come to Canada because it was a place I had visited and I liked that I I chose to come to Canada because it was a place I had visited and I liked that I can keep up both my French and my English. I am very happy with the engineering can keep up both my French and my English. I am very happy with the engineering department at Carleton and with my social life here; making friends was easy. department at Carleton and with my social life here; making friends was easy. Ottawa is a nice city that is not too busy. One may not be used to walking in 20 cm Ottawa is a nice city that is not too busy. One may not be used to walking in 20 cm of snow or eating dinner at 5 p.m. but one quickly gets used to that. »of snow or eating dinner at 5 p.m. but one quickly gets used to that. »

« « I really like that McGill has a campus in the city. McGill was also appealing because I really like that McGill has a campus in the city. McGill was also appealing because you have more flexibility in your studies than in France. The professors and classes you have more flexibility in your studies than in France. The professors and classes in the management program are interesting and challenging. Class content is in the management program are interesting and challenging. Class content is covered briefly but you need to undstand it perfectly and apply it. Classes are large covered briefly but you need to undstand it perfectly and apply it. Classes are large but professors are accessible. It is easy to make friends in the first year thanks to but professors are accessible. It is easy to make friends in the first year thanks to the residence system. International students do stick together. The social life is fun. the residence system. International students do stick together. The social life is fun. Ir iq very competitive and thus a lot of pressure on students. You have to work hard Ir iq very competitive and thus a lot of pressure on students. You have to work hard and be motivated and interested in what you are studying. »and be motivated and interested in what you are studying. »

« The cold was hard to adapt to and living so far away from home. The coursework is « The cold was hard to adapt to and living so far away from home. The coursework is challenging-- I have become addicted to coffee since starting at McGill. »challenging-- I have become addicted to coffee since starting at McGill. »